Korean Pronunciation of Korean Diphthongs180

Korean diphthongs consist of a combination of two vowel sounds pronounced in a single syllable. They play a significant role in distinguishing words and shaping the unique melodic contour of the Korean language.

There are a total of 11 diphthongs in Korean, each with its own unique articulation and a different romanization representation:
ㅑ (ya)
ㅕ (yeo)
ㅛ (yo)
ㅒ (yae)
ㅞ (yeo)
وى (wi)
ㅘ (wa)
ㅙ (wae)
ㅝ (wo)
ㅞ (we)
ㅢ (ui)

The first element of each diphthong is pronounced as a full vowel, similar to its corresponding sound in English. The second element, however, is articulated as a glide, which is a short transition sound that connects the two vowels. The glides are denoted by the following diacritics:
y - used for the glides /j/ and /jʌ/ (as in "yard" and "yet")
w - used for the glide /w/ (as in "water")
i - used for the glide /j/ in the diphthong ㅢ/ui

When pronouncing Korean diphthongs, it is important to maintain a smooth and connected flow between the two vowels, without emphasizing either one. The glide should be subtle and barely noticeable, serving as a transition between the two sounds.

Here are some examples of words that illustrate the pronunciation of Korean diphthongs:
사랑 (sarang) - love
여자 (yeoja) - woman
요거트 (yogeoteu) - yogurt
야채 (yachae) - vegetables
왜 (wae) - why
외국 (oeguk) - foreign country
워싱턴 (Wo shing ton) - Washington
위험 (wiheom) - danger
ㅢ호 (uiho) - doubt

In addition to the basic pronunciation, Korean diphthongs also undergo certain phonological changes in specific contexts:
Vowel Assimilation: When a diphthong is followed by a consonant that shares the same place of articulation, the vowel component of the diphthong assimilates to the consonant.
Diphthong Shortening: In certain environments, such as before nasal consonants (/m/ or /n/), diphthongs may be shortened to produce a single vowel sound.
Vowel Lengthening: In certain emphatic contexts, diphthongs may be elongated to emphasize a particular word or phrase.

Mastering the pronunciation of Korean diphthongs is essential for effective communication in the language. By understanding the specific articulatory features and phonological rules associated with diphthongs, learners can improve their fluency and accuracy in speaking Korean.

2024-12-05

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